The Government will not push through proposals that churches argue would restrict their ability to deny jobs to gay people and transsexuals, Equality Minister Harriet Harman has confirmed.

Londonderry prepares for first ever Pride

Londonderry is one step closer to gaining equality for the LGBT residents as the Northern Ireland city prepares its self for their first ever Pride celebrations.

The event has been described as a major step forward for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender in a city once rife with homophobia and hate crime.

The march, taking place this weekend, will take the route of the civil rights march which took place in the city back in 1968.
MP for Foyle Mark Durkan has encouraged to attend the event this weekend to help send out a strong message against hate crime in the city.

According to the BBC, he said: "As a community we can show our solidarity with those who suffer this awful prejudice - both the latent homophobia of prejudiced remarks and the blatant homophobia of violent attacks - by attending and supporting this week's events and this important parade."

Many people in the highly catholic area are still anti the celebrations and Reverend Jonathan Campbell from Newbuildings Independent Methodist Church has urged parents to keep their children away from the events a describes it as a an obscenity leaving a “dark cloud” hanging over the city.

The BBC also reported that David McCartney Rainbow Project an LGBT rights organisation said: "A dark cloud? This city hasn't seen such good weather all summer. God is shining down upon us and we're going to have a wonderful day.

"I would ask the Reverend Campbell, with a genuine spirit, to come and talk to people about their lives and listen to people's experiences," he said.